Diet modifications and behavioral changes for bariatric gastric surgery.

Gastric bypass and gastroplasty are effective in causing a reduction in weight averaging 55 percent of excess weight, 30 percent of initial weight, or 40 kg. in morbidly obese patients. Education in appropriate eating habits helps patients to lose weight and results in fewer complications. Patient education should emphasize behavioral changes, which include eating slowly and chewing well to prevent blockage, vomiting, and disruption of the staples and sutures. High-calorie beverages and frequent snacking should be avoided. Three meals per day eaten slowly and in a pleasant atmosphere will satisfy hunger. Gastric bariatric surgery makes the morbidly obese responsive to instruction. Dietitians have an important part to play in this rapidly expanding and effective treatment of a group of patients who until now have been ignored and rejected.